Delas Frères Châteauneuf-du-Pape Haute Pierre

Rhône, France

Vintage:2020 (Past)

2019 (Past) | 2021 (Current)

Tech Sheet Download Download PDF with Scores Download PDF without Scores

Delas Frères Châteauneuf-du-Pape Haute Pierre 2020
  • WE 93
  • V 90

Reviews

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points December 31, 2023, Anna-Christina Cabrales

Aromas of black plum, blueberry, cassis, black licorice and olives waft through violets and dusty wood musk. The palate broods in fresh blackberries, raspberries, freshly ground black pepper and clove. This full-bodied expression has fine grippy tannins that trail into a black-tea finish.

Vinous Media 90 Points June 2023, Nicolas Greinacher

A blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah, the 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Haute Pierre matured for two years in a combination of old oak barriques and stainless steel tanks. Refined and expressive, it displays ripe red and black fruits such as forest strawberry, black cherry and black plum, along with licorice nuances. Wrapped in smooth tannins, this 2020 red offers a seamless mouthfeel. A well-integrated and comparatively moderate 14.3% alcohol complements the fresh profile.

Overview

Located between Avignon and Orange, wines from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation are among the most prestigious of the southern Rhône. These blended wines are made from grapes grown in the region's hills with very stony soil of varying depth. The soil is comprised of red sandy clay and quartz stones. The climate is the driest area of the Côtes du Rhône where the “Mistral” wind is predominant. The large round stones on the soil, act as a “storage heater,” soaking up the sun's heat during the day, then releasing it during the night. The Delas Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge is a negociant wine made of grapes from growers with whom the winery has worked for decades.

Winemaking

After harvest, the grapes are crushed, destemmed and fermented in open cement tanks for ten days. Maceration lasts eight to ten days to obtain a high extraction of flavors and carbolic acid. After de-vatting and pressing, malolactic fermentation takes place in vats. The wine is drawn off under aeration, to enable natural stabilization to take place. It then goes into 60 hectoliter oak tuns for a period of 8 to 14 months.

Tasting Notes

The color is a deep garnet red. The nose of the “Haute Pierre” has strong spicy aromas that reveal a rich, powerful body that is delicate, yet has a tightly-knit tanninc framework. On the palate, the wine is rich and unctuous, revealing intense licorice-like flavors. It can easily be kept 10 years or more.

Food Pairing

Ideal with the traditional French and “Provençal” type-stews, along with braised and grilled meats.

Technical Information

Varietals: 90% Grenache, 10% Syrah

Soil Composition: Red clay and quartz